Mumbai (Maharashtra): Dinesh Lad, the coach of Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur, has said that Shardul's 123-run stand with Washington Sundar in the first innings of the fourth Test against Australia turned out to be very crucial in the context of the series decider.
On Tuesday, Australia's fortress -- The Gabba -- was finally breached. It took 32 years and two months, but the unthinkable was achieved as an injury-ravaged young Indian team beat Australia by three wickets against all odds to take the series 2-1.
"The way our new players performed, it was very good to see. (Mohammad) Shami and (Jasprit) Bumrah were not there, so the players who had just played one-two Tests performed really well. Both Shubman and Rishabh batted exceptionally well, our future looks very good. All the guys took responsibility and it is very nice to see. Everyone grabbed their chance so it is very pleasing to see," Lad told ANI.
"Shardul has been bowling really well, he is an attacking batsman but the way he batted in this fourth Test, it was really good. His partnership with Sundar in the first innings turned out to be match-winning. This series win will bolster the confidence of every Indian player, beating Australia at Gabba is a big achievement. (Ajinkya) Rahane also led the side in a nice fashion, his field placements were very good, he was very calm," he added.